ESO LIVE
Flatpicking Guitar Opens Eastern Shore’s Own Arts Center

Father & Son duo Doug and Karl Hepler play old-time, new grass, folk, Celtic, and more. Click on photo for ESO website.

By DONNA BOZZA

August 18, 2012

Doug and Karl Hepler will bring flatpicking guitar at its fastest and best to kick off the new ESO LIVE Series next Saturday, August 25, at 7:30 p.m. at ESO Arts Center in Belle Haven.

As their first on-Shore performance, this award winning Richmond area father and son team will rock through high-energy tunes — a spectrum that includes old-time, New Grass, folk, Celtic, and original songs. This is family-friendly musical fare with a wide appeal.

ESO is proud to have these accomplished and crowd-pleasing performers launch the new ESO LIVE series, the renamed, re-energized version of the former ESO Cabaret program.

Doug Hepler has been playing guitar since the age of 13. He teaches at Allegheny Echoes, a renowned week-long music camp in Marlinton, WV. He also teaches guitar and mandolin in the Richmond area and plays in the Carriage House Band, a local favorite. Doug won 1st place in flatpicking at the Virginia Folk Music Association competition in 2002.

Karl Hepler, a natural performer, brings fun, dead-pan humor along to accompany his music. He grew up attending Allegheny Echoes with his dad and starting playing there at 11, absorbing the amazing music and techniques. The proof is in his new album, Always Home.

For those who want to learn new licks and techniques, Karl and Doug will hold an afternoon workshop and give personal instruction on the day of the concert. The session runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at ESO, 15293 King Street, Belle Haven. Bring your guitar and come away inspired with a new tune or two. Cost is $15. For both workshop and performance, combo ticket is $25.

Doors open at ESO LIVE at 7 p.m. with performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $12. To make reservations or for more information call 757-442-3226 or visit www.esoartscenter.org